Moving Toward Harmony

by Eric Oberg

"Moving Toward Harmony" is a deceptively simple book on the principles of Aikido. The insights into the philosophy of this Japanese martial art will be rewarding for both the expert and the beginner.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0967884209
• ISBN13: 9780967884202
• Release Date: April 2000
• Publisher: Far Eastern Press
• Length: 72 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 7.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Aikido for the Innocent

Moving Toward Harmony was not necessarily written for the innocent and uninformed of the martial arts but it definitely has a message for them. I am not a practitioner but I am curious, and from this book I found out a good deal about Aikido and why it has become so popular. (I watched several classes of Oberg's before I read the book.) Aikido to me is more like a philosophy of living and being expressed through a dance form than a form of self defense, though of course it can be used very well to protect yourself too. It has a beauty and grace like Tai Chi, but is social and hence expresses and challenges that part of us; it shows us not how to destroy our foe but to mediate, to harmonize with the other. Oberg's prose is smooth and non-intrusive, leaving much to the reader to consider; there is no pomposity in his style, only suggestion of direction, but his own deep knowledge of this art is clear enough. His suggestion goes far beyond the arena of Aikido to all of life. On every page there are issues to consider for those who would. The photographs that illustrate each concept or step along the path are very fine and add life and joy to each page. We not only read the ideas of the aikido master but see them in motion before us, the enjoyment of the practitioners obvious in their movements and facial expressions; I was reminded of the dancing figures of Estruscan vases. Sometimes they seem to be in flight, other times spinning, other times falling like leaves. The movements go far beyond themselves. This book is for all thoughtful people, and especially those who seek a blending of the mental, spiritual and physical.

Beautiful impressions display the soft side of Aikido...

Oberg-sensei gives us impressions of Aikido that are more spiritual rather than technical. This is NOT a "step-by-step" guide to technique. Yet a soft philosophical approach to the principles found in Aikido's basic movements are elucidated in free verse poetic form.The book gives a refreshing view of Aikido as an art that promotes improved wellness, sensitivity to our environment, and introspection which is crucial to our evolution as human beings living in a dynamic (and sometimes chaotic) world.The absence of discussions regarding Aikido history, style, tradition, etc. is actually appropriate to the general content of the book (which paradoxically is NOT designed to sell Aikido to the public as a "genuine martial art").It is a book that can be read quickly, but also one that must be re-read often. After the first read, one feels like one has read a beautiful haiku -- brief, profound, and elegantly simple.It's not the Tao Te Ching of Aikido, but comes pretty close.